Thursday, May 21, 2015

League Status Update

Posting it on the blog to look halfway organized & avoid overtweeting.

Opening night is under 5 weeks away (5 weeks exactly for girls). It's go time! I'm starting to put together preliminary rosters tonight, and will be working on it on & off through the weekend. Hopes are to have boys done Sunday night/Monday morning, girls done Tuesday/Wednesday. Again, they are preliminary rosters... subject to additions, subtractions, and change, but not total overhaul. It will be a good idea.

There are still openings available, although they are filling. I have received more checks this week than any other so far, and it's still Thursday (just jinxed myself). The boys' spots are filling QUICKLY, so if you want to play and haven't filled out recruiting packet information or sent in the check, it's really a good idea to do at least one, if not both, ASAP. The girls are also filling up, and I've made a lot of progress this week, but there are more openings available at the moment. It's just taken a little longer for some girls/parents to warm up to the idea.

I will be sending out initial e-mails to college coaches NEXT WEEK, as soon as Monday for the boys' league (girls' too, if I can get rosters together by then). Thank you to everyone who has responded with a yes or no regarding participation in the league. With the work I need to do to complete this (on my own), if you have not responded with a yes or no and don't over the next couple days, you are doing me a HUGE disservice. Even if it is a no (and trust me, I'm pretty aware who will eventually be in & who will be out, it's just the decency of a response), please tell me so I know. I have not been biting the heads off of people who tell me no. I put crazy miles on the car, loads of money in the gas tank, got very little sleep this winter & into spring to get out and watch people play. To those that haven't responded (which the number is thankfully dwindling), at least show me the respect.

Just ordered the jerseys - DriFit, Empire State Takeover on the front, team name on the back with jersey number, for what it's worth.

I tried to get everywhere this winter & spring, but I know I wasn't able to watch everyone. If I have not talked to you about participation in Empire State Takeover this summer, you think you can play at a high level, have goals of playing basketball in college, and would like to play in the league or at least be given more information, reach out to me. Either shoot the Takeover Twitter a DM or go to the website (www.empirestatetakeover.org), click on the 'Contact Us' tab, and drop a message there. This is a select event, but I am willing to listen and check because I know I was unable to get everywhere I wanted to. If interested, please do so soon.

Thanks to everyone that has been showing interest in the league, it is much appreciated and I'm looking forward to a big summer!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Albany Capitals - The Recap, Sunday, 5/17

It was nice to catch a bunch of good teams in the area for once. The Albany Capitals annual tournament took place over the weekend, and I was bouncing around RPI campus watching, talking, watching, talking, repeat. What'd I see?

Jenna Giacone (Bethlehem/Albany Capitals-Dibacco; 2016) - I really could name 6 or 7 of the Capitals, but I'll stick with the top couple in the one game I saw. Jenna's no surprise, as perhaps the most highly touted recruit at the tournament. The 6'0" point guard plays at a different pace than most people. Her height, length, quickness, and handle allow her to get to the rim nearly at well, even against other very good players. She has been offered by HM programs, and there are times when she just makes plays that a defender can't do anything about.

Sam Laranjo (Averill Park/Albany Capitals-Dibacco; 2016) - I'd say she's one of the more unheralded kids on this team, but she has proven herself as a name to bring up every time I've seen them this spring. Great pickup for the right system - very well suited for an uptempo, free-flowing game. Scrappy PG, has no problems matching up 94 feet. Plays like she's fighting for her dinner sometimes - probably my favorite attribute. Capable shooter, both mid-range & perimeter, quick handle & good court vision. Loooves going right... every defender knows it, but she still gets there over & over again. Testament to how effective her handle and change of speed are. Teetering on scholarship level right now... certainly worth a look.

Selena Lott (Columbia/Albany Capitals-Dibacco; 2017) - She's faster than almost everyone... when she's not going full speed. Super athletic 5'10" swing is a force on the court with raw athleticism alone. She's another one that is very well suited for an uptempo game. Mix her with the two above & teammates Sydney Brown & Carly Boland (won't mention them in detail but both Division I prospects) and the Caps are off and running, all the time. If 10 is Selena's full hoops potential, she's at about a 4 right now, which is pretty scary to think about what she'll be like on the court in the future.

Rachel Menze (Hamden Hall (CT)/CT Spirit; 2016) - The 6'3" true post had flashes of dominance in one game Sunday, and just simply dominated the other. Has shied away from contact in other games I've seen, but really invited the physical play in a morning game against Crystal City Stars. She can finish in the blocks with either hand and shoots well from the free throw line. She's a menace around the rim defensively when she works hard and lets her feet do the work. I've spoken with a couple coaches that have her high on their board.

Zoe McDonald (Romulus/Crystal City Stars; 2015) - This Class D standout will be headed to St. Rose in the fall to hoop, and she showed the transition won't be an issue for her. Has a nose for the ball and incredible hands - big positives for her, as she'll be a slightly undersized post at the next level. She's another one who invites the contact and gets to the line a lot. Works harder than everyone on the court - good pickup for the Golden Knights.

Erica Martinsen (Williamsville East/Crystal City Stars; 2018) - Ohhh boy. Surefire scholarship kid. First time I got to watch her, but I've heard about the standout freshman that dropped 40 in a game this winter and was pretty high up on the all-state honors. Erica is as advertised. Elite scorer that contributes in every facet of the game. Her confidence blows past the majority of people her age - she carries herself like she's been doing it for a while. She can let it fly from well beyond the line, but is slick with the handle & gets to the rim as well. Definitely one to watch these next three years.

Sophie Gatzounas (South Hadley (MA)/Mass Frenzy; 2017) - Sophie is continuing to establish herself as perhaps the top player to watch on the top Mass Frenzy squad. The tough as nails swing can score in a variety of ways. Loves to get to the rim & ends up at the free throw line more than anyone I've watched all year, but showed she can step back and hit the trey in one of their Sunday games. Hustles, not afraid to give up her body. Doesn't talk too much on the court, but leads by example. She is the one that coaches leave saying 'yeah, she's pretty good' about.

Lauraine Joensen (Northampton (MA)/Mass Frenzy; 2017) - If Sophie is the best player, Lauraine strikes me as the best prospect. Somewhere in the 6'2" range with arms for days, her length causes issues on the defensive end. Mix that with superior quickness & speed, and she's a problem. Runs end-to-end better than her matchup, and can step out and defend multiple positions. She moved stateside from Denmark 9 months ago, and has the so-called European game to go with it. Fits best as a stretch 4 now, but has the physical tools & some of the skill set to become a 3.. if that happens, I'll just sit back and watch her stock skyrocket.

Christie Mirski (Agawam (MA)/Mass Frenzy; 2016) - Not the first time I've mentioned her on one of these either. She's got the court vision and passing ability of a point guard, the height of a wing, and the strength of a post. Better have your hands ready when you're playing with her because she'll lace you with a pass if there's a lane for it. I've had a coach remark about how much of a force she'd be if you gave her one year in a college weight room. May work up to the scholarship level.

Olivia LeBaron (Corning-Painted Post/Elmira Lady Express; 2016) - Well-rounded offensive player that showed some versatility Sunday. Other time I saw her in March, she relied on the perimeter J. On this day, she mixed it up. The combo guard certainly can hit from deep, but she used it to open up her game and get to the rack. Not afraid of contact, but can hit the little floaters & runners when she gets into the lane. She appears to be a fierce competitor and was the vocal leader of her team. She's one of the premier names in Section 4 girls hoops, and she showed why.

Gabby Cajou (North Rockland/Hudson Valley Elite; 2016) - Gabby plays at a different speed. Short & slight of build compared to the majority of PGs there (and more noticeably so against her matchup this game of Jenna Giacone), she makes up for it with a tireless approach to the game. She pushes the tempo all the time, even to set up in the half court. Finishes well, beats people to the rim, busts into passing lanes & gets steals, disrupts the handle, just does everything you'd expect really quick people to do. Really fun to watch.

Marion Dietz (John Jay/Hudson Valley Knights; 2016) - One of the better talents in the Mid-Hudson, the tweener was the Hudson Valley Knights' most consistent player between their two Sunday games. She made a few big plays in a 2nd half comeback W in their first game. Does a little bit of everything, whether it can be seen in the scorebook/stat sheet or not. Tough player that is the type that won't be hogging all the headlines, but is certainly one of the first girls you want on your team. Showed some things at RPI.

You never know who's watching, who's reading, who's paying attention.. show out the next place I'm at, and you might find yourself on the list!

It's not too late to find yourself in Empire State Takeover this summer, the TOP high school summer league in upstate NY. Hold your spot by completing the form at www.empirestatetakeover.org/en/Forms/ & scroll through the blog for more detailed information!

Monday, May 18, 2015

Syracuse Nets - The Recap, Saturday 5/16

Hit the 'Cuse Saturday for another tournament hosted by the Syracuse Nets - another one with both boys & girls brackets. The Nets have been on the boys' circuit for a few years, with their first truly solid group that put them on the regional radar being from the Class of '13. The girls teams have really just got going - but in this tournament, it was the girls' bracket that left me much more impressed than a pretty meager boys' side. Only a couple names worth mentioning from that side, where the girls had more than that on one team. Let's get into it, first the two boys.

Dan Masino (Fairport/Eastside Basketball; 2017) - Saw him for the first time last spring on the circuit and thought 'he's a year away from being a solid player'. He skipped solid and went right to being a force. The 6'1" Fairport standout (received all-state honors in Class AA) played PG for his team Saturday, and was far & away the best player. Whether they needed a bucket or just to get a play set up, the ball went to him. He's wiry, but it's clear he's no stranger to the weight room, and has the type of game where you can tell he's a gym rat. Definitely a kid to keep an eye on.

Jim Grabowski (Bishop Ludden/BBA Nets; 2016) - Grabowski has a scorer's mentality and got it going on Saturday. Formerly a West Genesee Wildcat, he plans on transferring to Syracuse private school Bishop Ludden, who lost in the Class AA sectional final, to complete his senior year and hopefully get a better on-the-court experience. Everything about his game is a little unorthodox, from his jab steps & fakes to his shooting release, but it certainly works for him and he keeps defenders off balance. He got going early in their 2nd game and had a stretch where the hoop was as big as the ocean - potential to rack up a lot of points in a short period of time. 6'4" wing with muscle, he can finish through contact and rebounds well. Very hard worker. Should fit well with the Gaelic Knights next year.

Time for the more extensive list of girls.

Most Impressive Team - Easy call here, gotta go with Binghamton based BNY Select. They had numerous kids I liked a lot, and there wasn't much of a drop-off from 1st to 2nd string. Everyone has potential to play at the next level on the team, with a couple potential scholarship level. Team full of 9th & 10th graders that dominated in 2 Ws in the 12th grade division, and they worked from beginning to end each game. It's a program run through the BX training facility, and their 4 practice per week schedule includes on-court and weight room work. That means many will not be able to participate much in the league this summer, but you can see the work paying off, as they were in better shape than their opponents.

Lexi Levy (Seton Catholic/BNY Select-Hawkins; 2017) - Scholarship level guard that made 1st team all-state in Class B this year. She has a scorer's mentality and will let it fly, but with good reason - true 30-40 point potential when she gets it going. Quick enough & good handle to get by a defender and get to the rack, strong enough to finish through contact, range to the parking lot and still has the ability to pull up from mid-range. Very well-rounded offensive game. Shot was off Saturday by her standards and did a nice job opening her game up to set up others in a high-powered offense. Has the quickness, anticipation, and toughness to be a pain on the defensive end too. I'm assuming she's on your radar already.

Erin Nolan (Susquehanna Valley/BNY Select-Hawkins; 2017) - Strong 6'2" post player that was a focal point for Class B state champs Susquehanna Valley is really making noticeable strides. She appears to be in better shape than just two months ago, and has added some quickness to guard stretch 4s & the occasional wing on the perimeter to go with rarely-matched strength down low. This combo makes her difficult to run pick & roll offenses against. Hard worker rebounding at both ends and finishes well. Has a solid go-to and counter move at each side in the post, has good hands, and can step out to hit the mid-range J. With the strides she's making, definitely could see her eventually going scholarship level.

Alani Gallagher (Vestal/BNY Select-Hawkins; 2017) - The coach's daughter is certainly making strides as well. Looked pretty strong for just coming off a recent injury. Athletic 6'0"+ post with long arms, she'll get off the ground and go get the ball instead of letting it come to her. Scrappy, keeps the play alive and has a developing offensive game down low. Good rim protector on D and also has some quickness. The people tell me she's made tremendous strides over the last year - with that athleticism, there's a great deal of potential.

Holly Manchester (Susquehanna Valley/BNY Select-Hawkins; 2018) - One of my favorite players to watch. You probably wouldn't think much of her in the layup lines, as her short, slender frame doesn't exactly make her look the part - then she surprises the bejesus out of you over & over again until you realize she's the real deal. Very high basketball IQ and a true pass-first point guard looking to get everyone involved. She can whip a pass through traffic long distances... with either hand. Deceptively quick and evasive with the handle, and she can be a capable scorer if the situation requires. She's smart enough to know when those situations are. Going to be a blast to watch the next three years.

Vivian Ladd (Johnson City/BNY Select-Hawkins; 2018) - Another one of my favorites to watch. Ladd has that 'old man in the church league that's still dropping 20 even though he can't jump over a phone book' game. Smart and does a great job reading her defender. Has shot fakes, head fakes, pass fakes, jab steps for days. Loves to get into her defender and make the stepback dribble to her left into the jumper. Not afraid of contact - actually invites it. You can tell she'll continue to expand her game, and she has the type of game that will make her good for a long time.

Hanna Strawn (Seton Catholic/BNY Select-Constantine; 2018) - Hanna Strawn does Hanna Strawn things. Haven't found a coach that isn't in love with her game yet. Another one where height isn't exactly in the genes, but she's fearless and finishes extremely well at the basket for her size. Extends well, can put some English on the ball, and will use her body as a shield. Energy for days, doesn't stop working at either end. Another true PG but can fill it up, and she has a pure shooting stroke that stretches to about 22 feet. At her young age, she's already a leader - maybe the best communicator at any age level, boys or girls, at this tournament.

Kiersten Leos (Camden/Syracuse Nets-Dufrane; 2016) - One of two people who were really able to do anything against BNY Select Saturday morning. The standout wing has a knack for finishing in whatever possible way, and has done it at her high school to the tune of over 1,000 points so far. She was able to get into the gaps of the zone and convert a few times from 12-15 feet, both jumpers and floaters. Hard-nosed girl that can also get to the rack and isn't afraid of contact.

Beth Bonin (Cicero-North Syracuse/Syracuse Nets-Dufrane; 2016) - Naturally, the other one who stood up to the test. She ran the point for Dufrane's team and occasionally was on an island. Beth is one of the more consistent players out there - you know what you're going to get from her and it doesn't vary much. She doesn't have those crazy off games. Well-rounded game, crafty handle, can fill it up but is also unselfish. Very quick and a smart defender - she gets hands on passes and turns it into fast break opportunities.

Angela Bussone (Jamesville-Dewitt/Syracuse Nets-Gantos; 2017) - Took a while for me to get a read on her, but it's becoming clear now. She looks to have improved over the last few months. Doesn't look to get to the rack too much from the PG spot, but has a real knack for finishing in various ways when she does. Evasive at the rim with an array of scoops, floaters, extends well and can really put some English on it off the backboard. Unorthodox, low shooting release but gets it off quick enough to make up for it and shot a high percentage from 3. Improving drastically on defense and is smart enough to cause problems for good perimeter scorers when she puts her mind to it. Reminds me a bit of local product Olivia Luciani, who just finished a solid 4 year career at Buff State (including breaking season and career marks for made 3s).

Julia Kelner (Jamesville-Dewitt/Syracuse Nets-Gantos; 2017) - Rotation post player for Class A state runner-up J-D is really starting to come into her own this spring. 6'1" with a basketball body and can run the floor like a guard. Liked lacrosse more in years past, but has recently decided to focus predominantly on basketball, which will pay big dividends. I have seen 6'1"-6'2" Class of 2017 girls with interest from scholarship level schools that she is better than. Her coach raved about how much she has progressed. Already a force on the defensive end and just catching up at the other end. An improving offensive game will put her smack in the middle of the radar.

Danielle Rauch (Bishop Ludden/Syracuse Nets-Gantos; 2018) - Surefire Division I player that already has offers on the table. Only made it for the 2nd game and took it easy after getting up big. 5'9" (at least) point guard without any weaknesses. She can score, set others up, defend, has the physical tools & a high basketball IQ. Don't have to type as much about her because that says it all. May end up going HM when all is said & done.

Chelsea VanTassel (General Brown/Syracuse Nets-Gantos; 2018) - Who knew the Frontier League had some hidden gems? When I was told 'yeah that's the General Brown girl', I was truly surprised. A wing with a body much like the aforementioned Rauch, she can get up & down the court faster than almost everyone with relative ease. Can produce in the half-court, but is a terror in a fast break game. Has the ability to set up others & can defend multiple positions. Appears coachable with a good attitude on the court. Apparently is a heck of an athlete all-around - has been the starting GK on her varsity soccer team since 8th grade and is batting .536 in this, her 3rd year of varsity softball. Who knows what her top sport is?


You never know who's watching, who's reading, who's paying attention... show me what you got and you might be the next one on the list!

Don't forget, it's not too late to hold your spot for the league this summer. Scroll through the blog for various info including the league overview, alternate status information, payment info, and FAQs. Fill out & submit recruiting packet info at www.empirestatetakeover.org/en/Forms/ to hold your spot!


Tuesday, May 12, 2015

To Those That I Don't Have Contact Info For...

Whoops. Forgot to grab that whenever I may have talked to you. Or perhaps I got rushed out the door by a coach or something to that effect. My bad. This is my best bet of going about this now, so here goes.

Pretty deep into the process of figuring out who will be playing this summer, with opening nights for both the boys & girls leagues just over 6 weeks away. I'm trying to figure out (as best as possible) who will be participating, whether as a regular or alternate, over the next 2 weeks. I'll be sending initial e-mails to college coaches starting May 25 with a preliminary player list, and I want to get as much straight by then as I can. Of course, it's not free to play this summer (what is?) - but I don't REQUIRE payment in order to hold your spot. Let me know you (or your son/daughter, if it's a parent reading this) is in as a regular or alternate & fill out the recruiting packet info (link below) to hold the spot.

I mentioned 'alternate' twice in the last paragraph, which may or may not be something I told you about before. Alternate status is for people interested in participating that have summer schedules too crazy to commit - if you want to play when you can, but you would only be around half the time or less, this is for you. There are some people - especially girls with top teams for Albany Capitals, Lady Stars, and a couple others - that are going down this road because of commitments with their AAU programs in July. I'm not turning you away if you want in. I'll link all that info below too.

All the info is on the blog. I know you're all smart enough to just scroll through, but might as well make it easier and put all the links right here, as I've been doing with people I have contact info for. So, here they are:

League Overview: http://empirestatetakeover.blogspot.com/2015/03/league-updates.html
Alternate Option: http://empirestatetakeover.blogspot.com/2015/04/alternate-status.html
FAQs: http://empirestatetakeover.blogspot.com/2015/04/aprils-faqs.html

And if you decide you want in:

Payment Info: http://empirestatetakeover.blogspot.com/2015/04/payment-info.html
Recruiting Packet Form: www.empirestatetakeover.org/en/Forms/

If anyone has any questions - players, parents, anyone - please feel free to get ahold of me. The only time the phone isn't within 5 feet of me is when I'm playing ball myself. Like I mentioned, I'm trying to figure out who will be in and in what form over the next couple weeks if possible. I'll leave my contact info below.

One more thing... if you're worried or skeptical about if it's going to be good, this is my passion. This is what I've put hundreds upon hundreds of hours into over the last few months. I've been selective as to who I talk to, and I've been stretching upwards of 4 hours away from the Capital District. You've got my word - it'll be good. Hope that I'll be able to have you out in 6 weeks!


Jeff Mlinar
Program Director
(315) 360-2730 (Cell)
jeffmlinar@yahoo.com
www.empirestatetakeover.org

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Wayyy Up... North: The Recap, 5/9

Decided on Saratoga for Sunday, so I had my pick of long drives for Saturday. Rochester, Worcester (MA), New London (CT), Burlington (VT), or the Saranac Lake region. After weighing options - and where I thought I had the best chance of finding a couple people slightly closer to home - the North Country won out. This won't be a long recap, as there wasn't much I cared for, but I did talk to a couple that stood out.

Erin Langworthy (Warrensburg HS/Northern Lites; 2016) - Known as a scorer first that dominates the ball in the winter & really is the ONLY option for her Class D Warrensburg squad, she showed some things beyond her reputation. First, she's known as a shooter. Perimeter J wasn't falling in Game 1 - so she did a good job moving without the ball, got herself some easy ones, got to the rack & the line, and did all the other things well (on & off-ball D, rebounding, smart play, making the extra pass). The shot came back for the nightcap though, as she hit 3 straight from deep to start the 2nd half and help push her team ahead of Sun Youth from north of the border. Already the most prolific scorer Warrensburg has ever seen (at 1,300 point range, just surpassing her 1,200 point scoring mother), she showed me she can fill it up against non-Adirondack League competition.

Emma Carter (Mount Abraham Union (VT)/Valley Magic; 2018) - She's a guard with serious height. Or she's a 4 with serious guard skills. I'd lean toward the first - but whatever way you look at it, she can play and defend every position on the court with an uncommon combo of height/length, strength, and quickness for size. She can hit the perimeter J but loved the mid-range game in the game I caught. Not afraid to use her size & take smaller guards straight to the blocks. Smart rebounder - wasn't always running through a brick wall for the ball because she got to the rebounding area early. Handle needs some work but she's capable of it. Had to play a lot of PG against man-to-man Saranac press because she was the only one who could handle it consistently, but probably is best as a secondary ballhandler right now... but just a rising sophomore. Already the leading scorer for her varsity team that's been to the Vermont Division II finals 3 of last 4 years & won 2 of them... super bright future.

Those were the only two I talked to, but Bri McKinney (Hudson Falls HS/Northern Lites; 2016) probably earned herself another look. Watched them once in regular season - her & rest of Tiger team had an awful go of it against Glens Falls. The lefty guard really showed some signs in the first game, hitting 4 second half threes (2 of them deeeeep) in what was eventually a 1 point win. Pretty hard-nosed player who is deceptively strong and not afraid of physicality. Probably had 20-25 in the aforementioned win. Struggled a bit in the other game, but they didn't skip a beat with Langworthy getting hot. I'll find a way to check them out again.